Dragonflies: Water Angels and Brilliant Bioindicators

Gr 1-3–Readers will learn some fascinating facts about these docile insects. The griffinfly, the precursor to the dragonfly, existed 100 million years before the dinosaurs. According to scientists who study ancient animals, they were the largest insects of all time. Today, dragonflies are much smaller. A dragonfly nymph lives one to four years underwater. It breathes through its gills, which are inside its butt. The text includes a full-size, vivid photo on the left side, and a comically illustrated version of the insect on the right. The text explains that dragonflies are called “water angels” and are related to the damselfly. As a bioindicator, it only seeks out fresh water. Dragonflies found in folklore are briefly discussed. Readers are encouraged to save water and help eliminate waste to provide more freshwater sources for animals and insects. Additional facts and a glossary round out this title.